Shape-maintaining storage container

ABSTRACT

A shape-maintaining storage container includes a flexible, yet rigid frame, a plurality of panels defining a storage compartment, and a zipper track disposed on one or more of the plurality of panels. The plurality of panels include an interior surface and an exterior surface for which the coefficient of friction for an object and the interior surface is less than coefficient of friction for the object and the exterior surface. The frame spring force that is sufficient to maintain the shape of the shape-maintaining storage container when the zipper track is not engaged.

INTRODUCTION

Personal organization is a concern for many people. For this reason, various storage systems have evolved, such as suitcases, trunks, duffel bags and packs. Many of these storage systems include rigid, inflexible panels that define a storage compartment. These storage compartments (e.g., suitcases) are often much too large for the contents stored therein. As a result, the contents of the storage compartment are often jostled about and disorganized when the storage system is moved. Other storage systems (e.g., duffel bags) include flexible panels that do not define a recognizable storage compartment until contents are added. These storage compartments often lack the structure to adequately maintain the arrangement of the contents stored therein and can be difficult to pack, as the panels of the storage compartments often collapse upon themselves. As a result, the contents of the storage compartment may shift or become malformed within the storage system.

It is with respect to these and other general considerations that the aspects disclosed herein have been made. Also, although relatively specific problems may be discussed, it should be understood that the examples should not be limited to solving the specific problems identified above or elsewhere in this disclosure.

SHAPE-MAINTAINING STORAGE CONTAINER

The present disclosure describes a portable shape-maintaining storage container. Shape-maintaining storage containers provide a rigid, yet flexible frame that defines a storage compartment in which contents may be securably stored. In aspects, the shape-maintaining storage container includes a flexible, yet rigid frame, a plurality of panels defining a storage compartment, and a zipper track disposed about one or more of the panels. The plurality of panels include an interior surface and an exterior surface for which the coefficient of friction for an object and the interior surface is less than coefficient of friction for the object and the exterior surface. The frame may have a spring force that is sufficient to maintain the shape of the shape-maintaining storage container when the zipper track is not engaged.

The present disclosure further describes a portable shape-maintaining storage system. In aspects, the shape-maintaining storage system includes a plurality of shape-maintaining storage containers. In examples, the shape-maintaining storage system includes one or more of the shape-maintaining storage containers described above, as well as shape-maintaining storage containers of varying dimensions. In a particular example, the shape-maintaining storage system includes a first shape-maintaining storage container as described above, a second shape-maintaining storage container having a storage compartment with twice the volume as the first shape-maintaining storage container, and a third shape-maintaining storage container having a storage compartment with twice the volume as the second shape-maintaining storage container. In examples, the volume of a shape-maintaining storage container's storage compartment is positively correlated with the spring force of the shape-maintaining storage container's frame.

These and other features and advantages, which character the present non-limiting aspects, will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and a review of the associated drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory only and are not restrictive of the non-limiting aspects as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive aspects of the shape-maintaining storage container are described with reference to the following Figures.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an example of a shape-maintaining storage container.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a set of shape-maintaining storage containers.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and various dimensions may be altered. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the present examples or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects of the shape-maintaining storage container are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show specific exemplary aspects. However, different aspects of the disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein; rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the aspects to those skilled in the art.

The present disclosure describes a portable shape-maintaining storage container and a shape-maintaining storage system. In aspects, the shape-maintaining storage container may include a flexible, yet rigid frame, a plurality of panels defining a storage compartment, and a zipper track joining a number of panels. The plurality of panels may each include an interior surface and an exterior surface for which the coefficient of friction for an object and the interior surface is less than coefficient of friction for the object and the exterior surface. The frame may include a piping having a spring force that is sufficient to maintain the shape of the shape-maintaining storage container when the zipper track is not engaged and the shape-maintaining storage container is empty. In examples, the zipper track may be disposed on a portion of the piping and may extend approximately one-fourth the way down the back of the shape-maintaining storage container.

FIGS. 1A and 1B described here together illustrate an example of shape-maintaining storage container 100. The shape-maintaining storage container 100 includes piping 102, frame 103 (not shown, but disposed in the piping), main panel 104, bottom panel 106, top panel 108, zipper track 110, and sliders 112 and 114. In aspects, main panel 104 may include first end 150, second end 152 and central portion 154 that may at least partially form the shape-maintaining storage container 100. As such, the main panel 104 defines a shape. Bottom panel 106 may be configured to form a bottom side and a portion of a back side of shape-maintaining storage container 100. Top panel 108 may be configured to form a remaining portion of the back side and a top side of shape-maintaining storage container 100.

As described below, the frame 103 provides the structure for shape-maintaining storage container 100. The structure of shape-maintaining storage container 100 may be dictated in part by a spring force of the frame 103. In examples, the spring force of the frame 103 may allow shape-maintaining storage container 100 to maintain a shape when the zipper track 110 is not engaged (as shown in FIG. 1B) that is substantially similar to the shape of shape-maintaining storage container 100 when the zipper track 110 is engaged (as shown in FIG. 1A). In such examples, the cross-section of the frame may be substantially proportional to the spring force of the frame. That is, larger shape-maintaining containers may require larger frames having larger cross-sections. Alternately, a frame may be configured of material displaying a higher spring force. In examples, the frame 103 exerts a bias force B against main panel 104. This bias force B biases first end 150 and second end 152 away from each other. By extending the zipper track 110 down only a portion of one side of shape-maintaining storage container 100, top panel 108 and bottom panel 106 produce a counter force F. This counter force acts against biasing force B, and prevents first end 150 and second end 152 from splaying apart. Further, the shape of shape-maintaining storage container 100 is maintained when top panel 108 is opened such that open top panel 108 does not appreciably impede the loading of objects into shape-maintaining storage container 100.

The frame may be a unitary component having a predefined shape. The shape of the frame is substantially a rectangular prism, such that the shape of the shape-maintaining storage container is also a substantially rectangular prism. In other examples, the shape may be substantially a cube, a sphere, a cylinder or a rectangular prism. The frame may include or be constructed of cording, plastic tubing, a steel rod, or spring wire. In aspects, the frame 103 may be exposed, while the piping 102, the main panel 104, bottom panel 106 and/or top panel 108 may form a plurality of loops about the frame 103. In other aspects, the frame 103 may be disposed proximate to an outer perimeter of main panel 104, bottom panel 106 and/or top panel 108, and frame 103 may be surrounded by panel material.

Piping 102 sheaths the frame 103. In aspects, piping 102 may include fabric, plastic, or some combination thereof. In one example, piping 102 may include polyethylene and have a density of approximately 0.925 g/cm³, although other materials and densities are contemplated. Piping 102 may be disposed on or connected to at least a portion of at least one of main panel 104, bottom panel 106 and top panel 108, and/or on at least a portion of zipper track 110. Here, piping 102 is disposed around a perimeter of the panel 104. Main panel 104, bottom panel 106 and top panel 108 may connected to the frame or to other components of shape-maintaining storage container 100 in such a manner as to create a substantially rectangular prism.

Zipper track 110 includes two opposing teeth tracks. The teeth tracks are interlocked when sliders 112 and 114 are brought together, thereby engaging the zipper track. The teeth tracks may be disposed on opposite halves of shape-maintaining storage container 100 or on portions of one or more of main panel 104, bottom panel 106 and top panel 108. For example, in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the teeth tracks are disposed around the front and side edges of top panel 108 and the topmost edge of main panel 104. The teeth tracks further extend down the left and right edges of main panel 104 approximately a predetermined height H of shape-maintaining storage container 100. In examples, this height H may be approximately one fourth the total height T of the main panel 104.

Sliders 112 and 114 are movably engaged with zipper track 110. The sliders 112 and 114 are used to latch the portions of the zipper track together using a channel that meshes or separates the opposing portions of the teeth strip depending of the direction of the sliders along zipper track 110. The interior chamber 160 of the shape-maintaining storage container 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B are accessible by separating sliders 112 and 114, thus, disengaging the zipper tracks connected to main panel 104 and top panel 108. Sliders 112 and 114 may be different shapes and sizes to accommodate the shape and size of a zipper track.

When formed into a shape-maintaining storage container 100, main panel 104, bottom panel 106 and top panel 108 each include an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surfaces may define the interior chamber 160 when the zipper track 110 is engaged. Interior surfaces may include or be coated with one or more substances that reduces the likelihood that the contents of the bag will stick to or be snagged on the interior surface. In a particular example, the interior surfaces include siliconized nylon. The exterior surfaces may include or be coated with a substance that reduces the likelihood that the shape-maintaining storage container will shift or slide when placed within, for example, a storage container, such as luggage. In some aspects, shape-maintaining storage container 100 may be stacked on top of, for example, another shape-maintaining storage container within a suitcase. Due to the coating on the exterior surfaces, the shape-maintaining storage container may not substantially shift or slide from their stored positions or locations with respect to the suitcase when the suitcase is moved. In a particular example, the exterior surfaces includes a coating, such as polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic rubber (TPR), etc. In another example, the exterior surface of one or more of main panel 104, bottom panel 106 and top panel 108 may not be coated or may be coated with a coating different from the other panels. For instance, the exterior surfaces of main panel 104 and bottom panel 106 may include a polyurethane coating and the exterior surface of bottom panel 108 may include an uncoated mesh fabric.

The interior surfaces and the exterior surfaces of one or more of main panel 104, bottom panel 106 and top panel 108 may be such that the coefficient of friction of the exterior surface and an object (e.g., a wool shirt) is larger than a coefficient of friction of the interior surface and the object. That is, the object is displaced (e.g., slides) more easily on the interior surfaces than on the exterior surfaces when the same force is applied to the object on the respective surfaces. In examples, the comparatively lower coefficient of friction of the interior surface (as compared to the coefficient of friction of the exterior surface) may reduce the probability that, for example, clothing items or fabric objects placed within the shape-maintaining storage containers are snagged on the interior surface. As such, the interior surface provides the benefit of reducing the number of stored items that might be damaged. Additionally, in examples, the comparatively higher coefficient of friction of the exterior surface (as compared to the coefficient of friction of the interior surface) may reduce the likelihood that the storage container shift or slide when moved or transported. This shifting may be between the storage container and the suitcase in which it is placed, or between adjacent storage containers in a suitcase. As such, the exterior surface also reduces the likelihood of damage to items contained therein.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a shape-maintaining storage system 200. In aspects, the shape-maintaining storage system 200 includes first shape-maintaining storage container 202, second shape-maintaining storage container 204 and third shape-maintaining storage container 206. Shape-maintaining storage containers 202, 204 and 206 may include the components described with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, shape-maintaining storage containers 202, 204 and 206 may each include a frame, piping, a plurality of panels, a zipper track and one or more sliders. Not all aspects of FIGS. 1A and 1B are described with respect to FIG. 2.

In aspects, second shape-maintaining storage container 204 may have a size that affords a storage compartment that is approximately twice the volume of the storage compartment of first shape-maintaining storage container 202. For example, the height and width of second shape-maintaining storage container 204 may be similar to those of first shape-maintaining storage container 202, but the length of second shape-maintaining storage container 204 may be twice that of first shape-maintaining storage container 202. As should be appreciated, other dimensional alterations may be performed to double the volume of a shape-maintaining storage container.

In some aspects, third shape-maintaining storage container 206 may have a size that affords a storage compartment that is approximately twice the volume of the storage compartment of second shape-maintaining storage container 204. For example, the height and length of third shape-maintaining storage container 206 may be similar to those of second shape-maintaining storage container 204, but the width of third shape-maintaining storage container 206 may be twice that of second shape-maintaining storage container 204.

In some aspects, the dimensions of shape-maintaining storage containers 202, 204 and 206 are such that shape-maintaining storage containers 202, 204 and 206 may be securely placed within, for example, a larger storage container, such as a piece of luggage. In such aspects, some combination of shape-maintaining storage containers may be placed within a piece of luggage in such a configuration as to substantially fill the interior of the storage container. In a particular example, one third shape-maintaining storage container 206, one second shape-maintaining storage container 204 and two first shape-maintaining storage container 202 may be sized to substantially fill the interior of a suitcase having standard dimensions. In such an example, the one second shape-maintaining storage container 204 and two first shape-maintaining storage containers 202 may be placed on top of third shape-maintaining storage container 206, such that the bottom side of second shape-maintaining storage container 204 and first shape-maintaining storage containers 202 rests on the top side of third shape-maintaining storage container 206. In another example, one third shape-maintaining storage container 206 and one second shape-maintaining storage container 204 may be sized to substantially fill the interior of, for instance, a 22-inch tall carry-on luggage item. In such an example, one third shape-maintaining storage container 206 may be placed adjacent to the one second shape-maintaining storage container 204, such that the right or left side of the second shape-maintaining storage container 204 is beside the front, back, left or right side of the third shape-maintaining storage container 206. As should be appreciated, alternate combinations and/or configurations or shape-maintaining storage containers may be used within the interior of one or more storage containers.

The description and illustration of one or more examples provided herein are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the present disclosure as claimed in any way. The examples, and details provided in this application are considered sufficient to convey possession and enable others to make and use the best mode of the claimed examples. The claimed examples should not be construed as being limited to any example, example, or detail provided in this application. Regardless of whether shown and described in combination or separately, the various features (both structural and methodological) are intended to be selectively included or omitted to produce an example with a particular set of features. Having been provided with the description and illustration of the present application, one skilled in the art may envision variations, modifications, and alternate examples falling within the spirit of the broader aspects of the general inventive concept embodied in this application that do not depart from the broader scope of the claimed examples. 

What is claimed:
 1. A storage container comprising: a main panel defining a first side, a second side, and a third side of the storage container; a flexible frame bordering at least a portion of a perimeter of the main panel; a bottom panel defining at least a fourth side of the storage container, wherein the bottom panel is connected to the main panel; a top panel defining at least a fifth side of the storage container; a zipper track connected to the top panel and the main panel, wherein the zipper track releasably engages the top panel with the main panel; wherein each of the main panel and the bottom panel comprise an interior surface and an exterior surface of the storage container; and wherein the frame maintains a substantially similar shape of the storage container both when the zipper track is engaged and when the zipper track is disengaged.
 2. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the substantially similar shape is substantially a rectangular prism.
 3. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising piping disposed about the perimeter of the main panel, wherein at least a portion of the piping is connected to at least a portion of the zipper track, and wherein the frame is disposed within the piping.
 4. The storage container of claim 3, wherein the frame includes polyethylene and has a density of approximately 0.925 g/cm³.
 5. The storage container of claim 3, wherein the piping includes a plastic tubing.
 6. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the frame is a unitary component.
 7. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the interior surface of at least one of the main panel, the bottom panel, and the top panel includes siliconized nylon.
 8. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the exterior surface of at least one of the main panel, the bottom panel, and the top panel includes a coating, the coating selected from: polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and thermoplastic rubber (TPR).
 9. The storage container of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the zipper track extends along the sixth side of the storage container a distance of approximately one-fourth the height of the sixth side.
 10. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the bottom panel and the top panel are joined proximate a sixth side of the storage container.
 11. The storage container of claim 10, wherein the main panel includes a first end at least partially defining the first side, a second end defining the second side, and a central portion defining the third side.
 12. The storage container of claim 11, wherein the frame displays a bias force that biases the first end away from the second end.
 13. The storage container of claim 12, wherein the bottom panel is connected to the first end and the second end, so as to produce a counter force that opposes the bias force.
 14. A storage system comprising: a plurality of storage containers, each of the plurality of storage containers having: a main panel defining a first side, a second side, and a third side of the storage container; a flexible frame bordering a perimeter of the main panel; a bottom panel defining at least a fourth side of the storage container, wherein the bottom panel is connected to the main panel; a top panel defining at least a fifth side of the storage container; a zipper track connected to the top panel and the main panel, wherein the zipper track releasably engages the top panel with the main panel; wherein an exterior surface of at least one of the main panel, the top panel, and the bottom panel has a friction such that, when the plurality of storage container are stacked, each of the plurality of storage containers displays a resistance to sliding.
 15. The storage system of claim 14, wherein the flexible frame has a spring force, the spring force causing the flexible frame to maintain a substantially similar shape both when the zipper track of the storage container is engaged and when the zipper track is disengaged.
 16. The storage system of claim 14, wherein a combination of the plurality of storage containers is configured to fit securably within a luggage item.
 17. The storage system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of storage containers includes at least a first storage container, a second storage container, and a third storage container.
 18. The storage system of claim 17, wherein the storage compartment of the second storage container is approximately twice the volume of the storage compartment of the first storage container, and wherein storage compartment of the third storage container is approximately twice the volume of the storage compartment of the second storage container.
 19. The storage system of claim 18, wherein a first panel of the first storage container includes a first width and a first length, a second panel of the second storage container includes a second width and a second length, and a third panel of the third storage container includes a third width and a third length, wherein the width of the first panel, second panel and third panel is the same, and wherein the length of the second panel is approximately 60 percent larger than the length of the first panel and the length of the third panel is approximately 100 percent larger than the length of the first panel.
 20. The storage system of claim 14, wherein a combination of the plurality of storage containers is configured to fit securably within a luggage item. 